Ross Stewart in legal row over Southampton contract extension after play-off chaos | OneFootball

Ross Stewart’s Southampton future is uncertain amid a legal dispute over a 12-month contract extension. The Scotland striker could yet leave this summer despite the club attempting to activate the clause.

Stewart joined from Sunderland in August 2023 but injuries disrupted his season. He was due to be out of contract this summer, with Southampton holding an option to extend by a year. He has reportedly instructed lawyers to examine the terms after Southampton were removed from the play-off final, creating uncertainty over whether the clause was triggered within the required timeframe.

“When we knew there was no last game, we immediately sent the notice of the extension, but his lawyers say that they’re disagreeing with us.” He was speaking to the Southampton Echo.

“Ultimately, it’s on Ross and his team to basically decide whether they want to stay or not.”

Southampton were replaced in the final by Middlesbrough, who lost to Hull City at Wembley. Despite a stop-start year, Stewart finished with 11 goals and three assists in all competitions, including an FA Cup strike against Arsenal in April.

Signed from Ross County in January 2021, he became a key figure at Sunderland and scored in the 2-0 Wembley win over Wycombe to clinch promotion from League One.

Three years on from that Wembley moment, his next move remains unclear. Southampton want to keep him, but the dispute means his future could be one to watch as the window opens.

Source: Sunderland Echo